Manchester United’s hopes of Champions League qualification took a grounding blow on Saturday when they were deservedly beaten by Marco Silva’s Fulham 2-1 at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils handed chance after chance to the visiting Cottagers, who threatened to waste their many opportunities before Alex Iwobi seized all three points with his 97th-minute strike following efforts from Calvin Bassey and Harry Maguire.
For all the off-field talk of knocking great rivals off their perches, Man Utd gave their fans a timely reminder that on-field revolution will take time, with key injuries once again hamstringing Erik ten Hag’s side en route to a disappointing defeat.
Here are 90min’s key takeaways from Man Utd’s defeat to Fulham.
Man Utd look like they’ve found the answer to their long-term striker issues in the form of Rasmus Hojlund, but there’s no doubt there’s little in the way of depth up front now the Danish forward is injured.
Marcus Rashford was deployed centrally and struggled to make much of an impact, having only one shot on target with his 28 touches. The England winger’s form has been as temperamental as it has ever been this season, with some off-field issues causing further issues before Man Utd’s positive unbeaten run at the start of 2024 papered over some cracks.
Anthony Martial is out injured but hasn’t been a reliable deputy for years. Man Utd need a new back-up striker as soon as possible and may well pay the price for their disorganisation before INEOS became major players with their takeover.
Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw are both missing for Man Utd. Arguably the two best defenders in the current squad, their absences were notable on Saturday as Raphael Varane floundered at centre-back while Victor Lindelof looked uncomfortable at left-back.
Injuries are nothing new for Ten Hag. He has been unable to field a regular back four all season, but there still remains a clear lack of understanding between the defenders, while decisiveness and leadership are also missing.
Harry Maguire will get some praise for nearly earning his side a point with the late equaliser, but the big defender may also have seen red on another day for a clunky challenge on Sasa Lukic.
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